Letters to the Editor for May 8, 2018

Shelby taxes too high

I have never complained about paying my taxes until now. My parents taught me to be grateful to have something to tax (i.e. income, a home) because many people do not. However, I feel now I must speak up.

Mayor Strickland, in presenting the city budget recently, said he would not ask the City Council for a property tax increase this year. Why should he ask for one? As a result of the recent property reappraisal many of us saw a significant increase in the appraised value of our homes. Mine went up 21 percent.

Memphis/Shelby County has by far the highest combined residential property tax rates in Tennessee ($7.38), over twice that of Nashville/Davidson County ($3.15).

One would think our city/county services would be second to none and our police/teachers and other public employees would be among the best compensated in the state.

It is little wonder Memphis/Shelby County continues to experience residential and industrial out migration to Mississippi, Fayette County and elsewhere.